Northwest Passage Prairieview (previously known as Northwest Passage III) teamed up with the Humane Society of Burnett County to take these gorgeous portrait photos of the animals awaiting adoption. The young photographers used this as an opportunity to learn truly top notch studio portraiture techniques to capture the personalities of their subjects. The photographs were used in marketing materials (posters, flyers, etc.) to help find these amazing pets new homes within our community.Ten percent of all proceeds from this exhibit will be donated back to the Humane Society of Burnett County to help them in continuing the amazing work that they do.

Rescue In a New Light is the newest exhibit to the In a New Light Gallery, located just south of Webster off of Highway 35.

Eric: My name is Eric and I’m from Waukesha, Wisconsin. I am 17 years old and I have learned that photography is my favorite activity. It allows me to see new things and be able to sit back and enjoy my surroundings and not worry about things going on in my life. After being in photography, I would like to buy my own camera when I leave Northwest Passage.

Dancing Swan – by Micah

Micah: My name is Micah B. I am 14 and I live in Hudson, Wisconsin. I chose this picture because it captures nature in action. Photography helps me because it gets me away from stresses in my life. It also gives me a chance to see stuff that I would not get to see on a regular basis. Photography has taught me many different skills, like patience.

Pheasant – by Fabian

Fabian: My name is Fabian R. I was born in Chicago but I live in Minneapolis. I came to Northwest Passage mainly because my behaviors were going to affect my future in a negative way. Photography has helped me to see stuff with a different point of view. It has also got me interested in nature which is new to me. I hope to continue to use the skills I have learned in photography to steer me in a positive path the rest of my life.

Glance through the Trees – by Austin

Austin: My name is Austin P and I am 15 years old, and I am from Anoka County. I came to Northwest Passage to work on my anger and drug problems. Photography has helped me to learn many skills needed to get my life going in a positive direction. Being out in nature and the thrill of capturing the perfect image takes my mind off my problems. I am grateful for this experience.

Taking Off – by Austin

Swans – by Fabian

Majestic Eagle – by Micah

Two Swans – by Eric

And stay tuned! Northwest Passage Riverside (previously known as Northwest Passage I) has just started working with pottery – here is a sneak peek!

Frigid air crystallizes and beds over the marshes and swamps around the St. Croix and Namekogan River Valley. Leaves scurry by like tumble weed with crisp Northern winds from Canada. The ice on Rooney Lake builds larger every morning stretching out from shore to shore. Canadian geese fly South over head in a well formed V-shape. A 10-point buck runs across the logging road in search of his soul mate before the winter flurries fly.

The young men at Northwest Passage Lakeshore (previously known as Northwest Passage II) bundle up for an exciting morning. Of course a photo adventure, but excitement settles in just as the first snow fall of the year blankets the ground. Everything looks different; the trees sit silently, the sun peaks from behind the clouds, and the animal tracks from that morning glisten off the fresh snow. The sense of adventure is in the air to make the next bend in search of the next beautiful photograph.

– Erik Thue, photography instructor at Northwest Passage Lakeshore

Beautiful, by Austin R.

Good Memories, by Michael

My name is Michael. I’m 15 and I live in Neopit, WI. In the past I did all kinds of drugs and alcohol. I always ran away from home and got in trouble. In the future I would like to play with my favorite band. I like photography because I like wilderness and it makes me happy.

I like this photo because it brings me good memories. When I was a kid I used to see water push on the rocks when my mom and I were at the bridge. My mom said she wouldn’t let me fall.

First Snow, by Michael C.

Frosty Namekagon, by Payton

What photography means to me is that I have found a new hobby that I never thought would be something I would enjoy. Now I do and I might take classes in school after I graduate from NWP2. It has been such an experience for me to go out in the woods, learn new things about photography and nature. It has been amazing to take great photos and come back to edit them professionally on the computer. To see all the photos I have taken and what I have learned in photography has been a great experience. When I leave NWP2 I get to take my photos home. This is what photography means to me at NWP2. –Payton

Always Smiling, by Jamahri

I feel that this fish is like my little brother

Always smiling

Loves his mother

One day this fish will end up in heaven

So will I, so we’ll be together

Hi, my name is Jamahri. I’m 15 years old and live in Chicago, IL. I love to swim. All my life I’ve struggled to go to school. One day I hope to become a chef. Photography, to me, is happiness.